Have you ever watched a science fiction movie, observed something really cool, and said, “I wish that were real”? You’d be surprised to know how many things that were made up on television have become realities. Here are some useful and some useless but cool ones.

Hydrogel Lenses

These contact lenses are not just cool because they change color, but for the reason why they do so. They contain tiny nanoparticles that react with human tears and change color based on a person’s glucose levels. This can alert diabetics to their blood sugar levels without drawing blood.

The Sleep Box

The sleep box is exactly what the name implies - a box for sleeping. It can be used at airports or other places where you may be stuck spending some time. It is large enough to hold a bed and an LCD television, and also provides luggage space. It has wireless access in case you want to work in private.

The Highway in the Sky

Who hasn’t dreamt of flying at one time in their life? It may soon be a reality. NASA has developed a product that they call “Highway in the Sky” - a computer system able to let people fly. People have been creating flying machines since the 1950s; now NASA has designed equipment that will monitor traffic in the sky.

Progress Bar on Traffic Lights

Damjan Stankovic designed a truly unique concept that almost any driver will appreciate - a progress bar on traffic lights that allows people to know when the light is about to change. This lets you turn off your car engine and relax until the light turns green.

Do You Want to Fly?

Now you can, thanks to the Rocket Belt created by TAM. This product consists of a belt that attaches to a person, and tanks that are filled with emission gases to propel you skyward. This is the kind of equipment used in some of the James Bond movies. It will allow you to fly short distances. For instance, you can cross rivers and land standing up.

Waterproof Coating

Here is one product everyone will appreciate. It is a waterproof coating called Golden Shellback Coating that was designed to protect technological devices from water damage. If you have ever had a cell phone fall into some water, you will know how valuable this product can be.

This coating has a vacuum-deposited film that will not dissolve in liquids. It can protect metal, aluminum, steel, plastic, and other materials. It is environmentally safe and will protect cell phones, radios, as well as equipment used in ocean exploration.

Almost any technology that you have seen in the movies has had a variation created in real life. Some have succeeded while others have not made it past the testing phase. Many are still in production, while others have become a part of everyday life.

You never know what creation you see on television will become an actual product someday. The only limitation is in a person’s imagination and determination.